Smart bets: Matt Townsend

Musician Matt Townsend spent two years writing songs in secret before going public with his work in 2010. “Initially busking on the streets of Burlington, Vt. and playing local coffeehouses, he soon began hitting the stages of clubs and venues around the Burlington area,” says Townsend’s press release. He released a solo EP, performed in Ireland, and settled in Asheville. Now, with the help of a crowd-funding campaign, Townsend is set to release a full-band record, Matt Townsend and The Wonder of the World (available for stream and purchase at matttownsendmusic.bandcamp.com). The album release show takes place at The Mothlight on Saturday, July 5, at 9:30 p.m. $5. Hannah Kaminer also performs. themothlight.com. Photo courtesy of the musician

About Alli Marshall

Alli Marshall is the arts writer and editor at Mountain Xpress. She's lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. Alli is the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall